The capital of Portugal, Lisbon (Portuguese: Lisboa) has experienced a renaissance in recent years, with a contemporary culture that is alive and thriving and making its mark in today's Europe. Perched on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, Lisbon is one of the rare Western European cities that face the ocean and uses water as an element that defines the city. Lisbon enchants travelers with its white bleached limestone buildings, intimate alleyways, and an easy going charm that makes it a popular year round destination.

Understand

The sparkling new Lisboa Ask Me Centre (Pç. do Comércio, Tel. +351 (21) 031-2815, open 9AM - 8PM daily) will help you find accommodation and the staff are happy to dispense advice, maps and brochures. Smaller Ask Me Lisboa kiosks are dotted about the Rossio district and airport and their multilingual staff also have maps and brochures.

The Lisboa Card, which can be purchased from tourist information outlets, offers free use of all public transport in the city and free or reduced price tickets to many museums, galleries and tourist attractions. They can be purchased in 24 hour adult €17, 48 hour €27 and 72 hour (€33 denominations. They are not very good value unless you plan to visit a lot of museums. Especially so if you are a holder of a student identification card (international or national) since the student discounts to these attractions are often the same as for the Lisboa Card.

Climate

Lisbon enjoys a Subtropical-Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and very warm summers. Strongly influenced by the Gulf Stream it is one of the mildest climates in Europe. Among all the metropolises in Europe, here are the warmest winters on the continent, with average temperatures above 15.2 °C (59.4 °F) during the day and 8.9 °C (48.0 °F) at night in the period from December to February. Snow and frost are very rare. The typical summer's season lasts about 6 months, from May to October, with an average temperature of 25 °C (77 °F) during the day and 16.2 °C (61.2 °F) at night, although also in November, March and April sometimes there are temperature above 20 °C (68.0 °F) with an average temperature of 18.5 °C (65 °F) during the day and 11.2 °C (52.2 °F) at night. Rain occurs mainly in winter, the summer is very dry.

Lisbon is very close to the ocean and that brings windy and fast-changing weather, so you'd better bring a jacket or an umbrella with you, at least in winter, spring and autumn.

Orientation

The city stretches along the northern bank of the river Tejo as it flows into the Atlantic Ocean. As the terrain rises north away from the water, steep streets and stairways form the old tangled neighborhoods or give way to green parks in the western suburbs.

Lisbon lacks a defined "downtown", but the the vast Praça do Comércio, facing the river at the base of the pedestrianized grid of Baixa (lower town), occupies a central position. Further northwest from Baixa stretches Lisbon's "Main Street", Avenida da Liberdade, a broad boulevard resplendent in leafy trees, chic hotels and upscale shops, terminating at the circular Praça de Marques de Pombal. To the east are old neighborhoods of Mouraria and Alfama, both relatively spared during the Great Earthquake (as they are on a firmer rock) and therefore both retaining the charm of the winding alleys and azulejo-covered crumbling walls (further north lie relatively boring residential quarters). To the west the hill rises steeply into Bairro Alto (upper town; prepare to trek up, or take one of the elevadores, or funiculars); still further west are rapidly gentrifying former docks of Alcantara, dominated on the western end by the supports of the gigantic new bridge over the river, and the suburbs of Santo Amaro and Belém.

It is the main air hub for TAP Portugal [98], a Star Alliance [99] member airline that covers an extensive network throughout Europe, Africa (Morroco, Algeria, Senegal, Guine Bissau, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Angola, Cape Verde, S. Tome e Principe) and the Americas (US, Venezuela and Brazil). SATA (Air Açores) [100] provides regular service to eastern North America (Boston, Montreal and Toronto).

There are also several other airlines flying into Lisbon, such as United Airlines, US Airways, Emirates, Easyjet, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Aigle Azur, Air Berlin, Air France, Air Transat, German Wings, TAAG Angolan Airways, STP Airways, Swiss, Transavia, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, Finnair, Iberia, Vueling and KLM, amongst others.

Getting from/to the airport

In general, if you are arriving by plane in Lisbon and it is still day time, it is almost always better to use public transport - buses or the metro system - to your hotel or final destination. The airport information desk at Lisbon airport can provide you with all the required information. Taxi drivers at the taxi stand at Lisbon are infamous for their dishonesty and unreliability and if they can rip you off, they will. If you do not speak Portuguese or if you don't know the shortest way to your destination, avoid using a taxi unless there is no other option. If your final destination is less than 1 mile from the airport, taxi drivers will refuse to take you although they are not allowed to refuse destinations. If you insist on taking the taxi, the driver will most likely abuse you verbally and try to rip you off. If you are not carrying too much luggage and it is not late in the night, you are better off simply getting a bus or the metro to city center.

Aerobus[101] operates three routes to main spots of the city. Aerobus 1 running every 20 min follows Av. da Republica and Av. da Liberdade to the city center (Rossio, Praça do Comércio, and railway/ferry terminal at Cais do Sodré). Aerobus 2 connects to the Oriente bus/railway terminals with 30 min interval. Aerobus 3 runs every 30 min to the central bus station at Sete Rios via the Entrecampos train station. Tickets cost €3.50 and are valid on all public transportation lines, such as buses and surface trams (but not for metro) for one day.

Metro costs about €1.70 from the airport to any place in the city centre. Lisbon Airport metro station opened in July 2012 and is the new final destination of Lisbon Red Line metro trains. The journey to Saldanha takes about 16 minutes and less than 25 minutes are enough to get from the Airport to Baixa-Chiado (Lisbon city centre). You should avoid riding the metro late at night (after 10pm some stations are occasionally targeted by groups of muggers looking out for unsuspecting tourists), but in general the Metro system in Lisbon is very reliable and safe, and is usually the best way to quickly get around the city.

Bus lines 22, 44, 83, 705, 745, or night bus line 208. Bus 44 takes you to the Oriente railway station in about 10 minutes, where you can change for metro and continue to the city centre. Board fare is €1.75. 7 Colinas transport card (see "Get around" section) can be used which can be bought at the airport post office. The bus service is moderately reliable - the buses are modern and in good condition, but during rush hours you should expect delays. Note that you are not allowed to take large pieces of luggage on these buses.

Taxis cost about €10.00 from the airport to the city centre. Caution is required, since Lisbon taxi drivers are notoriously dishonest, rude and unprofessional - in general, you should avoid taxis at the airport unless you are in a hurry or have too much luggage to carry around. Charge is according to the meter, adding €1.20 per item of luggage. Taxis are required to have working meters (it is illegal to drive without one) and fares posted to the window in the rear seat. Be sure to ask the taxi driver if he has a working meter before getting into the taxi, and be careful of drivers trying to grab your luggage and usher you into the taxi before you can make these inquiries. As with many cities, watch out for dishonesty and if you think you are being charged significantly more (paying €45 to get into the city but only €6 back to the airport is not unheard of, as are claims of broken meters or fixed fares) ask for the driver's name, registration number and a receipt, take note of the car's license plate and make it clear you plan to complain.

Any policeman should take care of the situation if there are signs of fraud - if police officers are nearby, you should call them immediately. Lisbon people, in general, also hate dishonest taxi drivers, so you might also have a chance of a local citizen helping you out in case of a conflict. To avoid fraud, you can buy a taxi-voucher in the airport (€18 - a lot more than the average real meter price) which is good to go anywhere in the center, with luggage. Make sure to ask the driver how much he estimates the fare will be before getting in the taxi, which will diminish the chance for a surprise bounce in the price. If you want to take a taxi, go to the Departures area where it is more likely to get an honest driver - never catch a taxi in the Arrivals area! Make sure the driver starts the meter only when the journey starts.

By train

There are two main stations, Santa Apolónia in the city centre and the Gare do Oriente, a bit further out and used by the high-speed trains. However, if you are entering Lisbon from the south, you may want to get off at the smaller stations of Entrecampos or Sete Rios. Their metro stations are a few stops closer to the central and old town. Also, local trains connecting with the resort Cascais on the Estoril coast use Cais do Sodré station. Train tickets may be booked directly with the train company, Comboios de Portugal[102].

Two international services are avalible, the overnight Sud Express leavs Irun on the border between Spain and France every day at 10:20PM, always waiting waiting for the connecting TGV train from Paris. The train calls at Oriente station 10:22AM the next morning before arriving in Apolónia just ten minutes later. There is also a daily sleeper train from Madrid named Lusitania leaving Chamartin station at 10:25PM, arriving early next morning 7:30AM in Oriente and a few minutes later at Apolónia. Prices starts at €90 for a single-journey in Turista-class.

The domestic high-speed line Alfa Pendular connects Braga, Porto and Coimbra with Lisbon from the north and Faro from the south. Prices between the major cities starts at €40 in second class. All trains call at Oriente, only some in Apolonia.

By car

Vasco da Gama Bridge

Lisbon can be accessed from six main highways. Coming from the south (A2) or east (A6 - the main route from Madrid), there are the two bridges:

From/to south: The A2 goes all the way to the 25 de Abril bridge, which usually has lots of traffic getting into Lisbon, especially on weekday mornings. This is the best option if you want to go to the center of Lisbon or to the west (A5 - Estoril, Cascais, Sintra).

To north / to east: If you branch from the A2 into the A12, you'll get to the Vasco da Gama bridge, the longest bridge in Europe, it usually has less traffic than the older 25 de Abril bridge (but a more expensive toll). This is the best option to go to the eastern/northern section of Lisbon (to the airport and to the Parque das Nações - the former Expo 98 site), and also to take the A1 or A8 going north.

From/to north and the airport: Coming from the north, there is the A1, that connects Lisbon to Santarém, Fátima, Leiria, Coimbra, Aveiro, Porto. The A1 ends near the airport. There's also the A8, which goes to Torres Vedras, Caldas da Rainha, Alcobaça, Leiria.

From the west, there is the A5, which connects to Estoril, Cascais, and the IC19 that crosses all the suburbs and ends near Sintra.

Lisbon has three ring roads: The 2ª circular, which connects the A1 to the IC19; the CRIL IC17 (still incomplete), which connects the Vasco da Gama bridge with the A1 and A8; and the CREL A9, which connects the A1 with the A8, IC19, A5, and goes all the way to the Estoril coast.

By bus

All nearby cities and most major cities in Portugal have direct buses to Lisbon. The main bus terminal is at Sete Rios (metro: Jardim Zoológico).
The main operator for long-course buses is Rede Nacional de Expressos (http://www.rede-expressos.pt/default.aspx)

By boat

You can get a boat to Lisbon from the following stations: Barreiro; Trafaria; Montijo; and Cacilhas. It's an excellent sightseeing opportunity crossing the river Tagus to Lisbon.

Many cruise ships dock at several places along the river on the Lisbon side, with variably good access to public transport throughout the city. Many lines offer shuttles to key points nearby.

By bicycle

From airport: Due to the relative proximity of Lisbon's airport to the city center, it is quite easy to cycle from the airport to the center, and could be recommended if you arrive for a cycling trip.

After leaving the airport and negotiating a roundabout, merge onto the long and straight dual-carriageway Av. Almirante Gago Coutinho (you should be able just to follow the "Centro" ("Downtown") signs.) After merging, the route to Baixa is simple and straight. This street later turns into Av. Almirante Reis, and then Rua de Palma, at the end of which you will be right in Baixa.

Cycling outside Lisbon can be a challenge, as Lisbon offers far easier cycling than what you may find outside of the city. The further you get from Lisbon however, the easier the cycling gets. You may wish to take advantage of certain regional trains that take bicycles in a separate luggage carriage, allowing you to start your cycling some 50 or 100 kilometers outside of the city.

More Below at Getting around by bicycle

Get around

Metro and Buses

Lisbon has a very efficient public transport network that covers the entire city in addition to the surrounding areas.

Lisbon Metro Map

Lisbon's recently refurbished metro system [103] is clean, quick, and efficient. While metro announcements are made only in Portuguese, signs and ticketing machines are generally bilingual in Portuguese and English.

The extensive bus and electrico (tram) network is run by Carris [104].

Lisbon Tram

The best and, in many cases, the sole way to pay for city transport is buying a rechargeable green-colored card 7 Colinas (Viva Viagem) [105]. It is valid for metro, trams (electrico), urban trains, most buses and ferries. The exception is buses run not by Carris—other bus companies have their own tickets. The card itself can be purchased for €0.50 (this price doesn't include any trips—add as many trips as you want), and remains valid for a year.

The Viva Viagem card can be charged in three different modes:

Single tickets for bus or metro (€1.70)

Day pass for metro and buses (€5)

Zapping. This mode gives you slightly more credit than you pay for if you recharge more than $5 (for example, you will have to pay €10.00 for €10.75 of credit). It also offers flexible rates: every journey costs €1.15, and you get a small discount for two contiguous journeys, e.g., if you change from metro to bus. If you have a bit of unused money, it is wise to go to the ticked desk and there they do zapping for any amount. This way you can fully utilise your money on the card before going back to your country.

There are ticketing machines located at the train or metro stations, which also provide instructions in English. You can also buy the ticket from the driver or machines on board (the latter only available in some new trams). Tickets purchased from a driver will not include a Viva Viagem card, and will cost more (€1.75 for bus and €2.85 for trams instead of €1.15 if you use the rechargeable card), so it makes more sense to buy the ticket before starting the trip.

When using suburban trains, your tickets are charged onto the same kind of Viva Viagem cards. You cannot have more than one kind of ticket on one card, however, so you will probably need at least two of them, one for zapping (regular bus and metro use), one for suburban travel. The TransTejo (TT) ferries can make you buy yet another "Via Viagem" card with white stripe in the bottom, claiming that CP or Carris "Via Viagem" cards are not valid for them.

If you plan to be in Lisbon for an extended time (1 week and more), you can purchase an unlimited pass that covers buses, metro, and funiculars at the Carris station in Santo Amaro. It's €12 for the Lisboa Viva card, plus €29 for a one-month unlimited pass. Bring a photo ID (passport) and cash.

By bicycle

Cycling within the city is now much easier because of the work the municipality has been putting in with bike lanes, slowing car traffic, changing car traffic patterns and adding speed bumps etc but of course parts of the town will always be part of the surprisingly hilly outlet of Lisbon. If you plan to cycle these note that some of these streets do have tram lines, potholes and absent of designated bicycle lanes, so visitors wishing to venture into city traffic by bicycle should be used to urban riding. Riding on the sidewalk is not recommended. It is advisable to get advice at local bikeshops.

Although better than in recent years there are still bike lanes in town the newest, nice and safe stretches from Baixa to Belem along the beautiful river Tejo water front aptly known as the Poetry Bike Lane
These days car drivers are often weekend cyclists and way more careful with cyclists, more than ever before.
Good spots for anyone to cycle safe are along the flat riverfront area streching from Parque das Nacoes, to the central area of Cais Sodre, where you can rent bikes look below for bike iberia, and particularly from here to Belem.
Must do for all travelers or cycling enthusiasts: A scenic and safe bike ride on bike lane from Baixa along waterfront to the historical area of Descobertas-Belem-Jerónimos.

Just outside of Lisbon -you can take a free bike (but often in poor condition and limited offer) on trains or ferries- along the coast from Estoril towards the beautiful beach of Guincho, reach Sintra, Cascais or Costa da Caparica. If traveling from Lisbon (and back) you should consider renting a bike there as there are no restrictions, nor additional charges, on traveling with bicycles on commuting trains.

If you take a bicycle in public transportation beware of the following:

Metro: During working days you are allowed to carry bicycles in the metro only after 8:00PM. On weekends, it's allowed and it's free of charge.

Commuting trains: You are allowed to carry bicycles in the trains for free, everyday of the week just be reasonable and avoid rush hour passenger patterns.

Ferries: Bicycles travel for free, you are allowed but there are strict limitations on the number of bikes allowed depending on ferry lines and ferry boat type, arrive early and you shall avoid disappointment.

Bike Buses: There are 6 lines of the public bus company "Carris" in which you can put your bike inside. Up to 4 bicycles per bus can be carried.

Bike shops in Lisbon town center are rare. You can find a SportZone near Rossio or in major shopping malls. Ask there for specialist shops, shop assistants are usually very helpful.

For guided bike the sights in Lisbon, Sintra, Arrabida or Cascais, and bike rentals, you can always check out Bike Iberia (Phone: +351 96 242 3455, [106]) located in Baixa-downtown, next to Cais Sodre and the Praca Comercio square; they are professional, friendly and very helpful on providing Lisbon Bike Tours, bike rentals with delivery to your hotel doorstep, touring equipment, mountain biking gear, very family friendly and native insider's knowledge. If you prefer a tour on Sintra-Cascais Natural Park then you should look at Portugal Nature Trails (Phone: +351 962 543 298, [107])

Bikeplan (Phone: +351 91 705 8800), [108]rents bicycles in Lisbon, Oeiras and Cascais for low daily, weekly and monthly rates including free drop-off and return at Paço de Arcos, Santo Amaro and Oeiras train stations, on the Cais do Sodré-Cascais railway (bicycles travel free with passenger ticket). Charged drop-off and return at accommodation is also available.

By car

Think twice before using a car in the city unless you are prepared to spend hours in traffic jams and looking for parking space. The busy traffic and narrow streets with blind corners can be overwhelming to tourists. Also, due to lack of space and overcrowding, parking is difficult and annoying, as well as potentially dangerous - check the "Stay Safe" section below, regarding potential problems with criminals and homeless people who stand near parking spaces to "help" you park your car and then attempt to extort money from you.

Walking

If your accommodation is in the center of the city, walking is a great alternative. Many of the attractions of the city, such as the Castelo and the Alfama and Bairro Alto districts, are within easy walking distance of the Baixa.

If you become lost or cannot find the location you are looking for, try to locate the nearest Carris bus or tram stop. Most of these stops (not all) have a very good map of the city with your current location clearly marked on the map. All the prominent tourist sites in Lisbon are also shown along with an index at the bottom of the map. A quick consultation with one of these Carris maps should point you back in the right direction.

Ferries

Ferries connect Lisbon to the suburbs across the Tejo river in the south. Taking a ferry to Cacilhas is a good opportunity to see Lisbon from the water. A ferry is paid for just like a metro trip; you can even use your zapping (using this system will give you a 0.05€ to 0.10€ discount on the single ticket) Viva viagem card.
The ferry boat takes you to Cacilhas (the journey takes 10 minutes) or Trafaria (Almada) (1.15€), Seixal (2.30€), Montijo (2.6€) or Barreiro (this journey takes half an hour) (2.25€).
The boats are operated by Transtejo.

Tours

Hop-On Hop-Off Tours are also a good option to get to know Lisbon. Carristur is operating with the brand Yellow Bus Sightseeing Tours[109] and have tours in double-decker buses and old tramcars.

If you choose to go on a more personal tour, there are several companies providing such a tours. Lisbon Off The Record [110] as started operating this year, and despite its young age its already a reference in the market. Prices are quite low for the service provided.

For travelers with disabilities you can go on several tours with Accessible Portugal [111]. They operate with customized vans and can advise you on where to go without feeling the limitations of traveling with a wheelchair.

Renting a car

With Budget: If you choose to return a car near your hotel, don't rely that an agent come right in the agreed-upon time: for an agreed 12pm return he can easily arrive at 9am (and will come again upon your call).

Talk

As with the rest of Portugal, Portuguese is the main language in Lisbon. However, most younger people know enough English for basic communication, and it is possible to get by speaking only English. Spanish is widely understood, though few are fluent in it, and many locals will respond more readily to English than to Spanish. Nevertheless, any attempt to speak Portuguese is always appreciated, and even simple things like basic greetings will often draw smiles and encouragement from locals.

See

Cristo Rei, (Catch the ferry to Cacilhas from Cais do Sodre then grab Bus 101 (€1.35 return)), [1]. 9AM - 6PM. Similar to the Christ statue in Rio de Janeiro, this statue stands over 100 meters tall on the opposite bank of the Tejo River from downtown Lisbon. Views from the top of the statue are breathtaking, although the elevator up will cost you €5.

Specialty transport

Tram 28. Instead of paying for a ride on one of the costly tourist trams, try Tram 28. Tram (or "Eléctrico" in the Portuguese) Line 28 is one of only three traditional tram lines that still operate in Lisbon. These trams, which until the late-1980's ran all through-out Lisbon, were manufactured between 1936 and 1947. Tram 28 winds its way through the "Old Town" of Lisbon (dating from the 17th century) beginning in Graça then down to the Alfama and to the Baixa then up through Chiado to Bairro Alto and then down to Campo Ourique, taking you by many of Lisbon's most famous and interesting sites including monuments, churches and gardens. The trip is hilly, noisy and hectic but it affords many beautiful glimpses of the city. And, although the tram can sometimes be overrun with tourists, you will definitely get a flavor of the locals, as many "Lisboetas" commute daily on these historical trams. Tickets cost €1.05 if payed by "Viva Viagem" card and €2,85 if purchased on-board or at a vending machine (note that these machines do not accept notes, and are sometime even out of change, so make sure you have the correct change!). From start to finish the ride takes around 30 minutes. Beware of pickpockets!

Funiculars

Gloria Funicular, Praça dos Restauradores - Bairro Alto, [2]. Inaugurated on 24 October 1885, this funicular was the second to be placed in Lisbon. It is the most visited one in the city. On 2002 it was classified as National Monument.

Bica Funicular, Rua de São Paulo (Rua Duarte Belo) - Largo de Calhariz, [3]. This funicular was inaugurated on 28 June 1892 and its route is known as the most typical of the city. In 2002 it was classified a National Monument. Ticket price is €3.50 for a round trip, however day cards are valid for it.

Lavra Funicular, Largo da Anunciada - Travessa Forno Torel, [4]. The oldest funicular of Lisbon was inaugurated on 19 April 1884 and on that day it worked for 16 consecutive hours, carrying more than 3,000 passengers free. In 2002 it was classified a National Monument.

Santa Justa Elevator, Rua Aurea & Rua de Santa Justa, ☎+351 (21) 361-3054. Located downtown, this elevator was designed by a follower of French engineer Gustav Eiffel and connects downtown to Trinidade, located many metres uphill. 7 Colinas valid. Inaugurated on 10 July 1902, it is the only street lift in Lisbon for public service. It was built by the architect Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard in cast iron enriched with filigrana details. In 2002 it was classified a National Monument.

Architecture

Castelo de São Jorge (St. George's Castle), (Walk up the hill from Alfama or take bus 37), ☎+351 218 800 620, [5]. 9AM - 9PM (March - Oct) and 9AM-6PM (Nov-Feb). Located up the hill, with a great view over the city and the river. If you have the energy, get there by walking from downtown, going through the fantastic old neighborhood of Alfama.€7 with student discount available. (38.713889,-9.133611)

Museu do Teatro Romano (Roman Theater Museum), [6]. Along the way from downtown to St. Gorge's Castle.

Ponte 25 de Abril. This sister bridge of the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge was designed by the same architect in 1966 to connect Lisbon with the Setubal peninsula across the Tagus (Tejo) River. Formerly known as the Salazar Bridge, it was renamed after the Carnation Revolution, which on April 25, 1974 ended the dictatorship!

Ponte Vasco da Gama. It is the longest bridge in Europe (including viaducts), and ninth longest in the world, with a total length of 17.2 km (10.7 mi), including 0.829 km (0.5 mi) for the main bridge, 11.5 km (7.1 mi) in viaducts, and 4.8 km (3.0 mi) in dedicated access roads.

Aqueduto das Aguas Livres. This is a historic aqueduct in the city of Lisbon, Portugal. It is one of the most remarkable examples of 18th-century Portuguese engineering, including the largest stone arch in the world. The main course of the aqueduct covers 18 km, but the whole network of canals extends through nearly 58 km. The Mãe d'Água (Mother of the Water) reservoir of the Amoreiras, the largest of the water reservoirs, was finished in 1834. This reservoir, with a capacity of 5,500 m³ of water, was designed by Carlos Mardel. It is now deactivated and can be visited as part of the Museu da Água (Water Museum).

Neighbourhoods

Rossio

Rossio. Rossio is the main square in Lisbon, the equivalent of Madrid's Puerta del Sol, Tokyo's Shibuya or London's Trafalgar Square, which is a common meeting place for locals. This is a must visit for all visitors to Lisbon to experience city life.

Principe Real. The trendy district with all the fancy shops is just a 5 minutes walk from Bairro Alto

Chiado, [7]. Take a stroll along the historical streets of this elegant shopping district, stopping for a cup of coffee with the statue of Fernando Pessoa, Portugal's great Modernist poet. Head uphill to Bairro Alto, for stunning views of the city and some wild partying in Lisbon's most popular nightclub district.

Downtown (Baixa)

Downtown (Baixa). This part of the city was completely rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake by the Marquês de Pombal. The planned layout, greatly different from what you will see in the more ancient neighborhoods, is a testimony to the ideas of the Enlightenment.

Alfama. This neighborhood still bears signs of the Moorish presence in the city, with the buildings very close to each other, and very irregular streets. It's very atmospheric and a great spot in which to wander around.

Praça do Comércio, (Take the metro to Terreiro do Paço Station), [8]. This magnificent plaza, facing the river, is the beginning of Lisboa's downtown. It is also known as 'Terreiro do Paço', meaning 'Grounds of the Palace', relating to its function before the Great Earthquake of 1755.

Belém

This monument-packed neighborhood is a must-see place.

Take bus 28 to the west (Restelo direction), which follows the coast line and provides an express service with few stops.
Train Cascais suburban train (line "Cascais todos" or "Oeiras"; the express trains don't stop in Belém) to Belém and walk to the attractions.
Tram 15 to the west (Algés direction), which follows the Junqueira residencial line. Check the route map inside the tram: it helps to find a right station for most famous of Belém attractions.
The extensive bus network also serves Belém from various departure points around the city and can be less busy than the tram.
The main monuments are well separated from each other and there is a road/rail highway between them that can only be crossed at a couple of places. In addition it is mostly open and unshaded, so be prepared for a lot of walking in the hot sun.

The neighbourhood features:

Belem tower

Belem Tower (Torre de Belém). Open 10AM-5:30PM in winter, 10AM-6:30PM in summer (with the last entry allowed 30 minutes before closure). A ticket package for both the Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery is offered for €10. Be aware that access to the top of the tower, and intermediate floors, is via a very narrow, steep spiral staircase. This is used in both directions and is potentially unsafe (also females may be groped in the crush). There is no supervision or control, except to take the admission fee.Entry fee for the tower only is €5.

Jeronimos Monastery

Jerónimos Monastery, Praça do Império, 1400-206 Lisboa, ☎21 362 00 34, [9]. Open 10AM-5:30PM in winter, 10AM-6PM in summer. Try to avoid the morning rush of tour parties (with pushy tour guides) as admission is slow and you could queue for a while.Free entry to the church, €7 for the rest of the monastery.

Monument to the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos). There is a well-concealed pedestrian subway in line between the Monastery and the Monument.Entry fee €4.

CCB (Belém Cultural Center), [10]. The modern CCB holds a permanent contemporary art exhibition, from the Berardo Collection - it features works from Picasso, Dalí, Duchamp, Magritte, Andy Warhol, among others.

Coach Museum (Museu dos Coches), [11]. Housed in the former riding school of the palace, don't miss the world's largest collection of coaches and royal vehicles

Statue to Afonso de Albuquerque. In front of the former Royal Palace of Belém, now the Presidential Palace, there is a massive statue looking out to sea, representing Afonso de Albuquerque, second ruler of Portuguese India in the early 16th century.

A stroll around its many gardens enjoying the river's bright blue is also a must.

Jeronimos Monastery

Museums and galleries

Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga, Rua das Janelas Verdes, [12]. Tuesday 2-6pm; Wednesday to Sunday 10am-6pm; Monday closed. Portugal's impressive national art collection, including 14-19th century European painting, artefacts of Portuguese contact with the East and Africa and a collection of ecclesiastical treasures. Highlights include Dürer's St Jerome, Hieronymus Bosch's Temptations of St Antony, Nuno Gonçalves' Adoration of St Vincent, and 16th century Japanese paintings of Portuguese traders.

The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, Avenida de Berna, 45A (take the metro to São Sebastião or Praça de Espanha Stations), ☎21 7823000, [13]. 10AM-5:45PM; closed Mon. Created from the personal collection of Calouste Gulbenkian, an Armenian who longed to see all his treasures displayed in a museum. A nice assortment of Egyptian artifacts, along with paintings by masters such as Rembrandt, Manet, Monet, Renoir, and Cassat. The museum's gardens are worth a visit in and of themselves, as a little oasis in the middle of downtown Lisbon.5EUR (permanent+temporary exhibition); half price for students under 25 with ID, holders of the European Youth Card (Euro26) and those aged 65 or over; free entry on Sunday and any other day for those under 12.

Museu da Água (Water Museum), [16]. Entrance fee of €1.5 to €2.5, depending on age or discount cards you may use.

Lisbon metro, [17]. Most of the metro system is a free art gallery. You'll find art by contemporary artists inspired by the stations' surrounding area. Check the subway webpage for more details on this curiosity. The red line is the newest one and has the best pieces of art.

Museu do Azulejo, [18]. Museu Nacional do Azulejo is one of the most important national museums, for its singular collection, Azulejo (Tile), an artistic expression which differentiates Portuguese culture, and for the unique building where its installed, former Madre de Deus Convent, founded in 1509 by Queen Dona Leonor.

Museu da Marinha, Centro Cultural de Belém, ☎213620019, [20]. Open 10AM-5PM in winter, 10AM-6PM in summer. The interesting Maritime Museum is one of the most important in Europe, evoking Portugal's domination of the seas. Its colossal 17,000 items are installed in the west wing of Jerónimos Monastery, and include model ships from the Age of Discovery onward. The oldest exhibit is a wooden figure representing the Archangel Raphael that accompanied Vasco da Gama on his voyage to India.Entry fee €4.

Pavilhão do Conhecimento, [21]. The Pavilion of Knowledge - Ciência Viva is an interactive science and technology museum that aims to make science accessible to all, stimulating experimentation and exploration of the physical world.

Parque das Nações, On Av. Dom João II (Metro: Oriente Station. Train: Gare do Oriente.), ☎+351 (21) 8919-898, [23]. Built for the 1998 World Expo, the eastern side of town (take the Metro to Oriente) is a change from downtown. It includes:

Oceanarium, ☎+351 218 917 002, [24]. One of the world's largest oceanariums.Admission 16.00EUR.

Ajuda Botanical Gardens, Jardim Botânico da Ajuda (Ajuda), [26]. Daily 9AM - 8PM (Summer) 9AM - 6PM (Winter). The botanical garden of Ajuda is one of the oldest gardens in Europe and is considered the first in Portugal. After the earthquake that occurred in 1755, the homeless Portuguese royal family decided to build a new royal residence at Ajuda but also gardens around it. This 10 acre garden was laid out in from 1858-1873.

Lisbon Botanical Gardens (Jardim Botânico), Rua da Escola Politécnica, 58 (between the Avenida da Liberdade and Bairro Alto). A hidden gem. It was created several hundred years ago, by a King of Portugal at the time of the Discoveries. The story goes that this King wanted one of every type of plant in the world, and although that's unlikely, there is a huge collection dating back by three or four centuries which is worth checking out. Also some weird and wonderful bizarre grafted trees - the roots hang down like fingers and toes where one tree has been grafted onto another, sometimes completely different, species. And there's something quite eerie about seeing plants or huge trees from completely different climates growing next to each other in apparent harmony. A great place to take a picnic - this green oasis is completely surrounded by city but even the city sounds filter out.Entrance 1.80EUR adults, discounts for kids, OAPS and students.

Viewpoints and city view

Armazéns do Chiado shopping mall (see details in Buy): top floor restaurants and cafes have fantastic city views.

Do

Cine Theatro Gymnasium, Rua da Misericórdia nº 14, 2º Andar 1200-273 Lisboa, ☎(+ 351) 210 121 000, [27]. Fado In Chiado - Daily show (except on Sundays) with a duration of 40 minutes - A chance to become acquainted with Fado, a widely popular traditional Portuguese music style that has been declared World Heritage by UNESCO. The music is usually based on a vocalist accompanied by the sound of Portuguese guitar.

You cannot come to Lisbon without exploring Alfama[112] - the city's oldest district. You will enjoy simply getting lost on its labyrinthine streets and alleys with medieval to 19th Century architecture. Highlights include the Castle of São Jorge, Santa Luzia view point, and the medieval Lisbon Cathedral ("Sé").

Take a walk in the lush gardens of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation[113] and check out the Museum and its classical art collection, the newer Modern Art Museum and the concert hall with a continuously ongoing programme of classical, jazz and world music.

If you are on a cultural trip and looking for more concerts, theatre, dance and arts, you can also check the Centro Cultural de Belém[114] near Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, and the Culturgest arts center [115] near the Campo Pequeno area.

Go clubbing! Check out Lux / Frágil[116] (telephone: +351 21 8820890) - one of the most stylish discos / night clubs in Europe, located in the docks in front of Santa Apolónia train station. House, techno, electro and other types of music, DJ's, occasional concerts, avant-garde decor, two dance floors and a terrace where you relax and enjoy the evening view.

Further clubbing and nights out - go out at night to the central Bairro Alto, or 'High Neighborhood'. Just up the hill from Chiado, this is the place to go out in town. In the early evening, go to a fado-themed restaurant near the Praca Camoes, and head upwards as the evening goes on. If you're in Lisbon on the night preceding a Feriado or public holiday, you have to check this out. Tiny little streets which are empty in the daytime become crammed walkways which are difficult to get through. For more of a clubbing or disco experience, try the Docas district along the marina overlooking the Ponte 25 de Abril, or the Cais do Sodré area (just below Chiado and Bairro Alto, near the river), where, next to a couple of old dodgy sailors' bars and a prostitution area, new trendy night clubs have recently opened which are attracting new crowds - here you can also go clubbing and occasionally catch live music ranging from pop, rock and jazz to electronica.

Have lunch or dinner at LX Factory[117]- an abandoned industrial site (also near the docks, in the Alcântara area under the 25 de Abril bridge), it has recently been turned into a trendy creative and cultural hub: restaurants, offices, design shops, night clubs, one of the largest bookshops in Portugal ("Ler Devagar") and weekly activities including parties, concerts, weekend street markets and exhibitions.

Enjoy a jazz concert and drinks at the Hot Clube de Portugal[118] (telephone: +351 21 3619740) - Portugal has a thriving jazz scene, the center of which is the Hot Clube de Portugal - one of the oldest jazz clubs in the world, located in Praça da Alegria, near Avenida da Liberdade. The club's first location was lost in a fire in 2009 but it has since reopened literally next door. Shows and open jam sessions are always on, with both national and international jazz stars performing weekly.

International Charter Group: [119]. Yacht charter and sailing, one of the worlds largest yacht charter companies, can take care of all charter requirements, from bareboat to crewed in Lisbon. Operating from nine offices worldwide (USA, Spain, UK, Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Switzerland, Caribbean, Honk Kong and Dubai).

Work

Members of the EU can work in Lisbon (and the whole of Portugal) without a work visa. Citizens of non-EU countries must obtain a work visa.

Buy

Vasco Da Gama shopping mall

Avenida da Liberdade

Marques de Pombal roundabout, where Avenida da Liberdade starts

Shops are open a little later than other places in Europe, usually around 9:30AM-10PM, and the lunch breaks can be quite long, usually from 1PM to 3PM.

You can buy a Lisbon Shopping Card[120], which gives you 5% to 20% discounts at about 200 major stores in Baixa, Chiado and Av. Liberdade for a period of 24 hours (card costs EUR3.70) or 72 hours (card costs EUR5.70).

Shopping streets

Baixa: From Praça do Comércio (aka Terreiro do Paço) to the Restauradores, the Baixa is the old shopping district in the city. It includes pedestrian Rua Augusta which has the most boring and mass-visitor tourist stores, and several European chain clothing stores like Zara, H&M, Campers.

Chiado: home to a number of independent shops and services and well known brands such as Hugo Boss, Vista Alegre, Tony & Guy, Benetton, Sisley, Pepe Jeans, Levi's and Colcci. Some informal brands like Crumpler can also be found. The area is also teeming with cafés, restaurants, bookshops and a dedicated shopping area "Armazéns do Chiado".

Avenida da Liberdade: Louis Vuitton, Calvin Klein, Timberland, Massimo Dutti, Armani, Burberrys and Adolfo Dominguez are just some of the shops you'll find across this avenue, which is not just one of the most beautiful and wide in the city, but also one of the fanciest with splurge hotels and restaurants.

Malls

While most stores are closed on Sundays, many malls are open 7 days a week. They usually open around 9:30AM and close by 11PM or midnight, although the film theaters within them usually run a late session starting after midnight.

Centro Comercial Colombo, Av. Colegio Militar (Metro: Take the Blue Line to Colegio Militar/Luz Station), ☎+351 (21) 771 36 36, [28]. 9AM - Midnight. One of the largest malls in Europe, this shopping and leisure complex also houses dozens of restaurants, a bowling alley, health club, multiplex cinema, funfair with rides including a roller coaster, and a go-cart track.

Armazéns do Chiado, Rua do Carmo 2 (Metro: Baixa-Chiado Station), [29]. A massive mall that draws a young hip crowd shopping for books, CDs, and DVD.

Dolce Vita Tejo, Avenida Cruzeiro Seixas,Amadora (Metro: Take the Blue Line to Amadora Station, and take a bus from there as the mall is beyond walking distance.), [33]. One of the biggest Shopping Mall in Europe.

Unconventional souvenirs

Flea markets

Feira da Ladra, Campo de Santa clara (Take Tram 28). 6AM-5PM Tuesday and Saturday. A lively out door market offering both new and used products. Markets of this type have pleased bargain hunters since the 12th century in Lisbon and the Feira da Ladra name has been around since the 17th century.

Eat

Most restaurants are very small, family run and generally cheap. Some of them have a sheet on the door with the "pratos do dia" (dishes of the day) written on it. These dishes are usually cheaper and fresher than the rest of menu there, and unless you're looking for something specific, they're the right choice.

During the dinner the waiter will probably bring you some unrequested starter dishes (called couvert): as those are not free, feel free not to touch them and they will not be charged on your bill (but check it!).

Never ask a taxi driver about what restaurant you should go, they will take you to an expensive tourist-oriented restaurant, where they will receive a comission.

Where

For Portuguese traditional cuisine at its finest, head to the area of Chiado.

Tourist traps with laminated menus and meal deals are mostly concentrated in the Baixa area.

It has an exception, however: Rua das Portas de Santo Antão (north-east from Praca dos Restauradores, parallel to it)--it's the seafood strip, and home to the best greasy spit-roasted chicken this side of Louisiana at the Bonjardim restaurant (Santo Antão, 11), appropriately nicknamed Rei dos Frangos.

For a familiar taste at one of the many chain eateries, head to Doca de Santo Amaro (train/tram 15 station Alcantara-Mar) and Parque das Nações (metro Oriental).

All the culinary and clubbing kudos is right now concentrated in Doca de Jardim de Tabaco (piece of river waterfront right under Castelo de Sao Jorge).

Fado

Make sure that you dine at a restaurant that plays traditional fado music. Beware that you'll pay more than in normal restaurants, and the food and drink quality may not be up to the price, you're paying for the music experience.

Pastelarias

Try the magnificent pastéis de nata at any pastelaria; or better yet, visit the Antiga Confeitaria de Belém (Casa Pasteis De Belem) [121] (Rua de belem 84; +351 21 363 74 23; take eléctrico #15 from Praça do Comércio, or the Cascais suburban train line from Cais do Sodré station, to Belém stop). They are served right out of the oven there, with the side of confectioner's sugar and cinnamon; as you navigate through the azulejo-decorated labyrinthine passages of the expansive shop, stop to look at the workers behind glass panels turning the endless stream of these delicacies, just baked, each in its own little ramekin, over onto the waiting trays. These are absolutely a must eat and you can't possibly regret it.

Budget

You will find traditional meals served in small coffeeshops/restaurants, especially in the old parts of town. Some will be better than others, just check if there are a lot of locals eating there! They will be very cheap (as low as €5 for a full meal) and home-style cooking. The owners probably wont speak english and the menu will probably be in portuguese only!

Café Buenos Aires, Calçada Escadinhas do Duque No. 31, ☎+351 21 3420739. A good and selected combination of cheap and mid range dishes. The owners are very friendly and speak English, as well as Portuguese. (It is a good restaurant if you want to eat South American grilled meat.)

Mestiço, Arco das Portas do Mar, 9 (Near Casa dos Bicos), ☎963660756, [36]. What used to be a Nepalese curry house is now a very friendly African eatery with authentic food. In the evening musicians play for an even more atmospheric setting. Very reasonably priced - total of about about 8-12 euros per person.

Mercado da Ribeira, Cais do Sodre (Opposite the train station, on the Marginal). Lunchtime all-you-can-eat buffet (soup, main course, dessert). Unlike much of Lisbon's restaurants, offers a good selection of salads. A bargain at 7.50.

Mamma Rosa Ristorante Pizzeria, Rua do Gremio Lusitano, 14 Barrio Alto, ☎213465350. Great pizzas, cheap Portuguese wine and very helpful friendly staff who have given lots of tourist information to customers in the past.approx 9 euros a pizza.

Groceries and markets

Grocery stores are closed on Sundays after 1PM, except (a) those smaller than 2000m2 or (b) from November 1st to December 31st.

Mercado da Ribeira, Avenida 24 de Julho (Cais do Sodré). 7AM-1PM except Sunday. A large indoor farmer's market open in the mornings. This is a great place to buy snacks for the day while traveling on a budget. Pick up nuts, fruit, veggies, cheese, bread or meat or delight your travel mate with some beautiful flowers. Go early! as the stands tend to close down in the early afternoon.

Mid-range

Alfama

A Tasquinha (from donwtown, turn left near Igreja de Santa Luzia to Rua do Limoeiro; then turn right to Rua de Santiago. Pass Camidas de Santiago. Look for outdoor red chairs and tables, white umbrellas), Largo Contador Mor 5/7. Great food; owner and guest signers perform fado on Fri evenings without charging extra for it; many outdoor tables; great red Sangria. Try bacalau with potatoes and onion in cream sauce--excellent change from ubiquitous "rice/chips with grilled everything".

Chapito. Dinner: from 7:30pm. Great views are the main feature if you reserve terrace seat in advance. Good atmosphere; international-menu food is tasty but nothing special.

Chiado

Cervejaria da Trindade, R. Nova da Trindade 20C (Chiado neighbourhood), ☎213423506 ([email protected]), [42]. Everyday : 10AM-1:30AM. Excellent restaurant-brewery that has several kinds of Sagres beer and also Guinness. Beware with the appetizer that is charged for each item that is consumed separately. Nice codfish plates.€15-25.

Downtown

Néctar WineBar, R. dos Douradores, 33 (Baixa Pombalina neighbourhood), ☎912633368 ([email protected]), [43]. Lunch: Mon-Sat 12:30pm-3pm; Dinner: Mon-Thu 6pm-11pm; Fri-Sat: 6pm-12am. Features daily lunch menu; Portuguese and Mediterrenean cuisine. A place dedicated to the promotion of Portugal's wine and gastronomic culture. The wine list comprises - in its vast majority - a selection of Portuguese wines which best represent the country. Wine can be bought by the glass, and it is served at the appropriate temperatures and in suitable glasses. Dishes - served in portions for 2 - easily replace a main course meal. Homemade-style desserts, for which sweet wines can be suggested. A modern and cosy atmosphere.€25-35.

Docas

Arroz Maria, Doca de Sto Amaro (take train from Cais do Sodre, ride to Alcântara-Mar station), ☎+351 (21) 395-4677. Spanish food restaurant with fabulous seafood with a great view of the Tejo river and the Ponte de 25 Abril. Excellent service and really fresh food. Don't miss the tamboril (monkfish) with the tomato and asparagus sauce. Really worth the effort to get there, the Docas area is fairly newly developed, and the railway line makes it hard to find a way across the main road, but with determination it's a great spot to go to. It's one of a number of restaurants of varying types along this stretch of the quayside, but it stands out for quality and value. Check it out before it gets 'trendy'.€25 (two courses with wine and port).

Prazeres

Come Prima, Rua do Olival, 258 (near «Museu de Arte Antiga» between the historic quarter of «Madragoa» and Docks of Lisbon.), ☎+351 (21) 390 24 57 ([email protected]). Traditional style fresh pasta dishes, various starters, risottos, meats and wood-oven pizzas are produced from a wide selection of prime quality fresh ingredients. Extensive wine list procured from both national and Italian producers and a delightful choice of desserts carefully picked from the Italian classics.€18.

Bairro Alto

Terra, Rua da Palmeira 15 (near Jardim do Príncipe Real), ☎+351 707 108 108, [45]. Probably the best vegetarian restaurant in Lisbon and also the nicest in terms of ambience and service. They have a menu in English and will help with vegan choices or people with other dietary restrictions. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends but you will always be served even if you arrive with the place full and have to wait for a while. Weather permitting try to get a table "outside", which means a wonderful and secluded back terrace. €15-20 (Vegetarian Buffet plus drink and/or dessert).

Sul, Rua do Norte 13, ☎+351 21 346 24 49. Delicious Mediterranean and South American food. Good wine and drinks list. Helpful staff will translate the menu, which is written on the blackboard, and happily cater for vegetarians. Gets packed in the evenings so bookings recommended if you're eating from 9PM onwards. No outdoor tables.€30 (''2 courses with wine and cocktail'').

Calcutá, Rua da Atalaia 28, ☎+351 (21) 346 -8165, [48]. Decent Indian food, but far from the best. The location is great though for starting a night out on the town. Ask for the shoot drinks!€25 (two courses with house wine).

Imperio dos sentidos, Rua da Atalaia, 35, Bairro Alto, ☎21 343 18 22, [49]. A popular restaurant that offers a diverse menu of traditional Portuguese, international and vegetarian cuisine. The difficulty will be in choosing what to eat as this mid-range restaurant’s menu is both broad and deep in terms of tantalising dishes on offer. The solution for a couple is to agree on the dishes and swap over half-way in order to double the gastronomic experience. Their speciality “Champagne” Sangria is a must do. The opening hours accommodate those that like to eat before 9pm and for those that dinner is an after 10pm affair. The waiting staff speak English and will humorously and patiently (with one raised eyebrow) assist you navigate your attempts to order in Portuguese. If you have the funds, there are various works of art on the walls available for purchase. Open from 7:30pm to 2am; Closed on 2nd Wednesday

Sacramento, Calcada Do Sacramento 40, ☎+351 (21) 342 05 72 ([email protected]), [50]. A popular locals place. The atmosphere and the food are excellent. Service was very good and the receommendations by the staff were outstanding. The writing on the menu is very small and difficult to read in the subdued lighting.€40 (appetizer, main, wine and desert).

Alfaia, Travessa da Queimada, 22, ☎+351 213 461 232 ([email protected], fax: +351 213 429 768), [51]. Friendly staff and very good food (especially pigling). The restaurant is pretty full even in Sunday evening.€55-70 (Dinner for two with a bottle of wine and aperitif).

Miraflores

Splurge

Eleven, Rua Marquês da Fronteira, ☎+351 (21) 386-211, [52]. If you really feel like splurging, this is the place. The restaurant was recently awarded a Michelin Star, although the basis on which the award was made are disputable.

Downtown

Gambrinus (restaurant / bar / brewery), Rua das Portas de Santo Antao, 23 (Four Seasons Hotel Ritz), ☎+351 21 342 14 66 ([email protected]), [54]. 12:30pm-1:30am. One of the most chic places in the city. Highly recognized in Lisbon as something of an institution, it attracts an eclectic crowd where the appeal is food and a great selection of beers, wines and spirits. Features smoking room, private parking with a doorman.

Drink

Lisbon is known for its lively nightlife. For going out, stroll around the old neighborhood of Bairro Alto ('high neighborhood') for an after-dinner caipirinha or ginjinha and people-watching. Its small streets, full of people, are packed with a high variety of bars. On weeknights bars close at 2 am, weekends at 3 am. The party continues in a night-club after that. Just follow the hordes of people down the hill.

Alcântara, Santos, Parque das Nações, and the castle area are all neighborhoods with a thriving nightlife. The whole area near the river/Atlantic, known as the docas, is a huge hub for nightlife, as Lisbon has never lost its ties to the sea.

Garrafeira Alfaia, Rua Diário de Notícias 125, ☎+351 (21) 343-30 79 ([email protected]). Nice wine bar with an impressive selection of good wines and appetizers. Good place to spend the late afternoon, before going out to dinner.

Chafariz do Vinho, Rua da Mae d'Agua., ☎21 342 20 79. Perfect place to linger over a glass of wine at this wine bar that is under the arches of the city's former acquaducts. With a great selection of appetizers that are matched perfectly with the wine, it's a pleasant way to spend an evening.

Ritz Bar, Four Seasons Hotel, Rua Rodrigo da Fonseca, 88, ☎21 381 14 00. Designed by Pierre Yves-Rochon, you'll enjoy deep, sumptous sofas and an impressive collection of contemporary art displayed on the walls. And with decorated bartender Paulo Costa serving you drinks, its a great place to peruse a crowd of sophisticated clientele.

Sleep

Choosing location: If you are in Lisbon for sightseeing (especially for your first visit), the best location is along the route of tram #28 (see official map of the route [122]). This especially works if you are with a baby stroller, as it will save from huge part of hill-climbing.

Finding accommodation when you arrive: Finding a decent sleeping place in the centre should not be a big problem. There is a tourist service centre in the airport, where the nice ladies will book a room for you. Expect to pay between €45 and €60 for a double room.

Budget

Chiado (Old Town)

Lisbon Old Town Hostel, Rua do Ataíde, 26A (5 minutes from Bairro Alto. Metro: Baixa/Chiado or Caiso do Sobre), ☎+351 21 3465248 ([email protected], fax: +351 (21)346-5248), [55]. A new hostel, opened in 2007, catering to the young hip crowd with event listings on their website, free computer and internet access in the lobby and WiFi through out the hostel.15€-22€.

Bed&Breakfast Lisboa, Travessa do Alcaide, nº7 (atached at Adamastor), ☎+351 (9) 1830 7572 ([email protected]), [62]. Good rooms in a very central bed-and-breakfast with views all over Lisbon and the river.30€ - €40.

Oasis Backpackers' Mansion, Rua de Santa Catarina 24, ☎+351 (21) 347 80 44 ([email protected]), [64]. Backpackers rave about this hotel, often noting the friendly staff, large clean rooms, fun atmosphere and great dinners. It is a great place for a budget traveler to meet up with other travelers and feel safe when they go to bed at night - if they go to bed.

Baixa (Old Town)

Beira Minho, Praça da Figueira, 6, ☎+351 (21) 346 18 46. A great location at a good price, but with few amenities.

Goodnight Backpackers Hostel, Rua dos Correeiros 113, 2nd, ☎+351 (21) 343-0139 ([email protected]), [65]. The interior design looks a bit like IKEA show-room, the staff know where the good places to go out dancing and drinking are and the location works for a budget traveler.€18-20.

Travellers House, Rua Augusta, 89, ☎+351 (21) 0115 922 ([email protected]), [69]. Nice hostel with lots of extras. Friendly staff and easy to meet people with their nightly activities. Free WiFi, breakfast, coffee and tea, maps and city advice, lots of guide books to look at and a book exchange for travelers who are tired of reading the same book over and over again.Beds starting at €15.

Yes Hostel, Rua de São Julião 148, ☎+351 213 427 171 ([email protected]). Relaxed and comfortable hostel with an excellent location. One of the largest hostels in Lisbon; opened in July 2009. Comfortable beds in large dorms, key operated lockers, free computer access as well as WiFi in every room, free breakfast, complimentary coffee and tea, 24 hour bar, access to their professional kitchen. Very friendly and accomodating staff. 3-course Portuguese dinners for €8 by their in-house chef.4 person dorms starting at €15.

City Center (Marques Pombal to Campo Pequeno)

Ibis Lisboa Saldanha, Avenida Casal Ribeiro 23, ☎+351 (21) 319 1690, [72]. Travelers give this Ibis so-so reviews noting on the plus side the location only 5 min walk to the metro, and a good breakfast and on the minus side small rooms.€59 - €69.

Lisboa Central Hostel, Rua Rodrigues Sampaio nº160 (On parallel street behind Av. da Liberdade), ☎(+351) 309 881 038 ([email protected]), [73]. A fun, fresh and friendly place to stay. Located in the heart of city in Marques de Pombal and Avenida da Liberdade this international hostel provides a good base for sight-seeing by day and partying by night. All of Lisbon’s major night spots are easily accessible on foot.Dorms starting at €16.

Splurge

Hotel Avenida Palace, ☎(+351) 21 321 81 00 ([email protected], fax: (+351) 21 342 28 84), [82]. Located in the emblematic Restauradores Square, in the heart of the city, The Avenida Palace Hotel is a symbol of charm and elegance in more than one hundred years of its story. This neoclassical, imposing building and its first class refined service turned it into one of the most selected destinations of high society and prominent individualities all over the world.

Lapa Palace, Rua do Pau de Bandeira, 4, ☎(+351) 21 394 94 94 ([email protected], fax: +(351) 21 395 0665), [83]. Property of Orient-Express Hotels, Trains & Cruises. A luxury palace hotel in one of Lisbon's seven hills, with gardens and pools, heated all year long. Member of The Leading Hotels of the World. With one of the best spas in Lisbon, gourmet food (its restaurant is considered by the Zagat Guide as one of the best in Lisbon) and one of best Concierge services in the country.

Pestana Palace, Rua Jau, nº 54, ☎(+351) 21 361 56 00 ([email protected]), [84]. Located in an old Palace, has a wonderful garden and luxury spa. Extremely comfortable, and well worth the €220 per night if you book in advance and online.

Eurostars Das Letras, Rua Castilho, 6-12. 1250 - 069. Lisboa. Portugal (Five minutes walk from Avenida metro station, ten minutes walk from the AirportBus stop at Marques de Pombal), ☎+351 21 357 3094 ([email protected]). checkin: 10:00H; checkout: "12:00H"url="http://www.eurostarshotels.com/EN/eurostars_das_letras.html". A new, modern hotel situated in the central Rato district. Despite its five-star rating, double rooms can be had for a very reasonable rate if booked in advanced. The hotel offers free wireless internet for guests along with two laptops with internet access. The hotel is very well situated - one street away from Avenida de Liberdad, a few minutes from the Avenida metro station and a short walk from Baixa / Chiado.

Tiara Park Atlantic Lisboa, Rua Castilho, 149. 1099 - 034. Lisboa. Portugal, ☎+351 21 381 87 00 ([email protected]), [85]. checkin: 15:00H. Luxury hotel with 331 rooms each decorated as one of the four elements. Glass-and-concrete building, but great for travelling with children if you don't mind 10 minutes walk to the downtown. Private parking; close to park and a large public playground (Parque Eduardo VII).Double: rack rate start at $150; special offers from online aggregators can be as low as $90.

Stay safe

Lisbon is generally safe but use common sense precautions, especially at train stations and on public transport.

Some areas are best avoided late at night because of the risk of mugging: Bairro Alto, the alleys, Intendente, Cais do Sodre. Some night clubs in Lisboa have a poor reputation.

Crime

According to Eurostat [123], the overall crime rate and in particular robberies are on the rise in Portugal.
Some areas on the outskirts of Lisbon are becoming more dangerous, but it is unlikely the average tourist will visit these areas. The most common crime against tourists is pickpocketing and theft from rental cars or on public transport. The metro carriages can become crowded and opportune for pickpockets but simple precautions are enough to maintain your safety while travelling on them.
There are some episodes of violent crimes (i.e. robberies/mugging) and some drug related crimes in places such as Bairro Alto and Santos, especially at night. Chances are you'll be approached at least a few times by certain types offering 'hash' or 'chocolate', especially in the downtown area on and around Rua Augusta. If you are of fair complexion or obviously a tourist you are more likely to be approached. Also, due to soaring house prices, the "Baixa" area (encompassing Rua Augusta, Terreiro do Paço, etc.) is not inhabited by a lot of people - as soon as the shops and offices close at night, the area sometimes becomes fair ground for muggers - caution is needed in back streets, and walking alone is not advised unless you know the area well. It's also encouraged to be wary of the Intendente-Martim Moniz area. Intendente is a well known area for prostitution and drug trafficking, and even though the situation has changed in the past couple of years (police now regularly patrol the area), it is still problematic. Martim Moniz is also notorious: at night time, the area occupied by shifty crowds that more often than not will cause some trouble. During the day, however, Martim Moniz is quite safe and pleasant.

Criminals in Lisbon are very quick and witty and continuously come up with new scams to get money from you (like pretending that they need to "borrow" money from you promising to pay you back in a few hours). In some cases they might work in pairs - for example, one well known scam involves someone offering you drugs, while a second person will suddenly approach you pretending to be a police officer, and asking you to pay a "fine" if you want to avoid "jail". In general, if you are unexpectedly approached on the street for no apparent reason, the best option is just walking away and avoid any interaction from the first moment. Remember that Lisbon is a big city and is very different from the rest of Portugal, which is a relatively safe country. Young tourists should be wary as they will likely be approached, especially near the Chiado Plaza - usually by drug dealers or scammers. A firm 'no thank-you' or "não, obrigado", if you're a male; "não, obrigada", if you're female should be enough to deter them.

Also be careful with ATM / bank machine muggings in the city center. Groups of adolescents occasionally stay close to the "multibanco" and wait until you have entered your PIN. They then force you away from the machine and withdraw the maximum amount (€200 maximum per withdrawal; however, two withdrawals of €200 per day per bank card are allowed). Try to withdraw money earlier in the day and try to avoid withdrawing money in some of the train stations late at night, especially Cais do Sodre.

Car jacking is also on the rise, usually targeting luxury/top brand vehicles or unescorted female drivers. Always make sure your car doors are locked even during daytime.

Finally, when you are driving a car, you should be on the lookout for one of Lisbon's greatest plagues: "arrumadores" - "ushers" or illegal parking "assistants". These are drug addicts, petty thieves or simply homeless people who stand near vacant car parking spaces and "help" you to park your car even though no help is obviously needed. As soon as you step out of the vehicle, the "arrumador" will ask or try to extort money from you as payment for the "service" through begging at best or physical abuse in the worst situations (rare). They might also pretend to be "official" parking space "guards" or "security" and promise to keep an eye on your car - naturally, they will leave as soon as you give them money and walk away.
If you are not in a isolated area (i.e. other people / witnesses are around) and decide not to give them money at all you may simply ignore them after parking your car - should you do so, however, there is a slight risk of having your car damaged or broken into once you are gone, but most of the time nothing will happen and the "arrumador" will move on to other targets.

Although "arrumadores" are not usually dangerous, caution is always needed: many have been known to use this scam to attack or rob people, and instances of car jacking have been reported, specially when unescorted female drivers are concerned.
Generally, you should always avoid "arrumadores" - look for another parking space (preferably in areas that are not too isolated) or, if this is not possible, just drive to a private parking lot, which is a bit more expensive but a sure way to avoid the hassle.

Walking, Cycling and Driving

Overall, Lisbon drivers can be described as slightly aggressive and careless, although much less so than drivers in other European capitals, such as Rome.

Lisbon has one of the highest rates of car accidents in the European Union, so be extra careful when crossing the streets. Drivers don't usually respect pedestrian crossings unless there is a red light for them to stop.

If you decide to rent a bike and cycle through the city, be extra careful and try to avoid the rush hour (around 6pm to 8pm). Lisbon drivers are very disrespectful towards cyclists and most of them simply consider them a nuisance that has no place on the road. You may get some aggressive reactions, especially from taxi drivers or truck drivers.

Driving can be tricky without a GPS system or map, as there is poor signalling in the streets.

In case of Emergency

Ambulance, fire brigade, police: call 112.

Same number is used with both land line and mobile phone. The number works on any mobile phone, whether it is keylocked or not and with or without SIM card.

Contact

Private international call centers and public telephone booths are common throughout Lisbon. Be warned, however, public phones can be less generous than slot machines: many times they'll swallow your change and give you no credit. You're better off purchasing a Portugal Telecom pre-paid card you can insert into the phone, or even a discount calling card which connects you via a toll-free number. These can be purchased from street kiosks and convenience stores. Most payphones also allow you to pay by credit card, although support for this feature is somewhat expensive.

Internet cafes are also abundant in the Rossio and Restauradores districts as well as in the Bairro Alto (opening late there). Expect to pay between €2 - €3 per hour.

Cascais— A town on the bay of the same name,on the Estoril coast, 40 minutes by train from Lisbon (Rossio Station).

Praia das Maçãs is a small and surprisingly calm seaside resort about 30km to the west of Lisbon,near the towns of Colares & Sintra.

South of Lisbon(south of the Tagus river/rio Tejo):

Almada, a city connected to/from Lisbon via ferry boats at Cacilhas and connected by train at Pragal and roadway via 25 Abril bridge/ponte 25 de Abril. The Monument of Christ-King (Cristo-Rei) is located in Pragal, Almada.

Setúbal— Capital of the district, and starting point for visits to Arrabida mountain, Troia, and the Sado river. Dolphins can be spotted on the bay.

Palmela— A hill town with a castle, with amazing views, near the city of Setúbal.

Sesimbra— A fisherman's village near the Arrábida mountain, good for scuba diving and fresh seafood, and starting point to visit the Espichel cape and sancturary.

Azeitão—,near Setubal, some 30km South of Lisbon, this small region consists of a series of lovely villages, of which Vila Nogueira de Azeitão and Vila Fresca de Azeitão are the most well known. Azeitão stands between the Arrábida Nature Park and the coast. In the park you'll meet the last remains of the original Mediterranean flora. Also, there is the famous Convent of Arrábida to visit and the stunning views from its hills and at its peak.

Tróia— A lovely peninsula gifted with kms of wild unexplored beaches, and with a tourist resort being developed on one of its edges.

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!